How to Adopt a Pet from Our Shelter

Adopting a pet is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make. When you adopt from an animal shelter, you’re not only gaining a loving companion—you’re also giving a homeless animal a second chance at a happy life.

Our adoption process is designed to help match pets with families where they can thrive. Here’s what you can expect when adopting from our shelter.

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Step 1: Browse Available Pets

Start by viewing our available animals. Read each pet’s profile to learn about their personality, energy level, and special needs.

As you browse, consider:

• Your lifestyle and activity level
• The amount of time you can dedicate to a pet
• Whether you rent or own your home
• Existing pets in your household
• The ages of children in your home

Finding the right match helps ensure a successful adoption for both you and your new companion.

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Step 2: Submit an Adoption Application

Once you’ve found a pet you’re interested in, complete our adoption application form for cats or form for dogs. 

The application helps us learn more about:

• Your household
• Your pet experience
• Your expectations for pet ownership
• The type of pet that would be the best fit for your family

Please print out the form, and answer all questions honestly and completely so we can help make the best match possible.  Bring your completed form to the shelter or email it to us at pets@sumnerwa.gov.

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Step 3: Meet the Pet

After your application is reviewed, you’ll have the opportunity to meet the pet.

This visit allows you to:

• Spend quality time with the animal
• Ask questions about their behavior and history
• Ensure the pet is a good fit for your family

If you have other dogs in your home, we require a meet-and-greet to help ensure everyone gets along.

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Step 4: Complete the Adoption

Once you’ve found your perfect match, you’ll complete the adoption paperwork and pay the adoption fee.

Adoption fees help cover expenses such as:

• Spay/neuter surgery
• Vaccinations
• Microchipping
• Veterinary care
• Food and daily shelter operations

Your adoption fee directly supports our mission of helping more animals in need.

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Step 5: Prepare Your Home

Before bringing your new pet home, make sure you have:

For Dogs

• Food and water bowls
• Collar and identification tags
• Leash and harness
• Dog bed
• Toys and treats
• Crate (if desired)

For Cats

• Food and water bowls
• Litter box and litter
• Scratching post
• Cat bed
• Toys
• Carrier

Creating a safe, comfortable environment will help your new pet settle in more quickly.

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Step 6: Give Your Pet Time to Adjust

Every pet needs time to adapt to a new environment.

During the first few days and weeks:

• Establish a consistent routine
• Be patient and understanding
• Provide plenty of positive reinforcement
• Schedule a veterinary checkup
• Allow your pet to adjust at their own pace

Remember that many animals may feel nervous or overwhelmed at first. With patience, love, and consistency, most pets quickly become cherished family members.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the adoption process take?

Most adoptions can be completed the same day, while others may take a few days depending on spay/neuter appointments.  All adoptions are in person on a first-come first-serve basis; online applications do not receive priority over in person applications, or place an animal on “hold” for adoption.  To ensure that we have plenty of time to walk you through your adoption and answer all your questions, we will not start a new adoption within 30 minutes of closing.

Are pets vaccinated?

Yes. All adoptable dogs and cats receive age-appropriate vaccinations before adoption.

Are pets spayed or neutered?

Most pets are already spayed or neutered prior to adoption, or the procedure is included as part of the adoption process.

What if the adoption doesn’t work out?

Our shelter is committed to successful placements. If circumstances change, please contact us to discuss available options.

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Ready to Adopt?

Every year, thousands of wonderful animals wait for loving homes. By choosing adoption, you’re giving a deserving pet the opportunity to experience love, safety, and companionship.

Check out our available pets today and take the first step toward finding your newest family member!